FLARES AND MENSTRATION | Arthritis Information

 

I have always strongly felt that there is some correlation.. My story will explain why:
At age 10 I flared due to injury to my right knee playing softball.. dX'd w/ JRA.  At age 12 I had my knee cap replaced.  I began menstruation... NO big flares only little ones for the next 38 years.. Each pregnancy put me in complete remission.  Fast forward to menopause..  four years into menopause, I had a huge flare!  and another followed three  months later..That is when I began my RX of methotrexate and enbrel ....   So, I have a hormonal connection, which I feel is strongly related to my disease activity..
You have me on your side about this.
Hi Rab, I had so many issues with my cycle that it was difficult to say what came first - chicken or egg!  I feel like there is some hormonal connection though, as I always felt worse before my cycle began but better just after. 

As for the big M, that is when I developed RA lung! Yep, I am on your side too.  I can tell when I am going to start by my flares.  There is definitely a strong connection.  I have also wondered if maybe it's because our immune system is lower at that time of the month???? good question, mamamiax4!!

You are not nuts, I also totally agree on this!

another log to put on the fire...... if you will

vitamin D......  is a hormone.
Rab, there is a lot of recent research on vitamin D and even recommendations in upping the recommended daily dose amount, however, you should always consult a qualified health professional before supplementing with vitamin D since excessive amounts can build up in the body creating a potential risk for toxicity and is contraindicated for some health conditions.  Here is a link to read up on the basics of vitamin D:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d

I read recently (here???)  even though exposure to sun was an easy way to get vitamin D, it takes about 48 hours to convert it into vitamin D and the sunlight-initiated precursors to vitamin D can be washed off with soap and water.  I'll see if I can find where I read that or if anyone else remembers seeing this, feel free to correct me!

Waddie [QUOTE=waddie]Rab, there is a lot of recent research on vitamin D and even recommendations in upping the recommended daily dose amount, however, you should always consult a qualified health professional before supplementing with vitamin D since excessive amounts can build up in the body creating a potential risk for toxicity and is contraindicated for some health conditions.  Here is a link to read up on the basics of vitamin D:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d

I read recently (here???)  even though exposure to sun was an easy way to get vitamin D, it takes about 48 hours to convert it into vitamin D and the sunlight-initiated precursors to vitamin D can be washed off with soap and water.  I'll see if I can find where I read that or if anyone else remembers seeing this, feel free to correct me!

Waddie [/QUOTE]

I've read that you should not shower for at least an hour after you have sunbathed.
  Vitamin D formed by the action of the sun on oils on the skin need
  time to be absorbed.Yes. Rab023 I truely believe the is a correlation to RA.  I have been in extreme flares right before my cycle starts, my right knew has been the size of a grapefruit.  After my cycle has finished everything goes back down.  They really need to do some studies regarding Cycles and pregancy.  I went into remission with my second pregrancey and was feeling great.  After the birth I CRASHED.. hard could hardly move. Premenstrual water retention can definitely add to any pain and inflammation issues and make them worse.  Not to mention the mood issues.   glad you discussed that with her.. but from my own personal experience relayed above, flares got MUCH worse in menopause..


Hang in there, Rab, I'm glad you found some answers.  Sometimes, in just knowing or having a (new) game plan things 'feel' better.  The relief of mental stress is powerful medicine.  I hope you feel like a new person soon too! 


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